Earlier this week, I showed you a fun shirt dress that I found in a local thrift shop a few months back. I bought this eastern-style blouse at the same time. I had absolutely no idea how I was going to wear it, I just knew I had to have it. Not only is it a gorgeous top, it’s also 100 percent cotton and is incredibly soft—perfect for when it’s a bit hot.
This was the first time I’d actually put it on, so I was thrilled when it fit. It hangs beautifully and is probably the most comfortable blouse in my entire wardrobe. But how to style it? That’s the question! Here, I just wanted to show you the top, so I’ve literally just let it hang loose over a pair of equally loose-fitting black trousers, and my current favourite black Timberland sandals (that I’m wearing to death at the moment!).
I’d like to wear it with jeans and perhaps belt it at the waist? I’m not entirely sure if it will work until I try it. But it’s too hot for jeans at the moment, especially skinny jeans. I could wear it with flared jeans or even my wide-legged ones. I reckon it would look great with just about every style of jeans out there—either tucked in at the waist or hanging loose. I thought I might also use it as a swimsuit cover up? It’s such a lovely cotton, I’m sure it’ll feel lovely over a damp swimming costume! Do you have any thoughts? How would you wear an eastern-style blouse like this?
It’s been an interesting couple of weeks. Last week, I did my very first stylised photoshoot with an actual other person lol! My neighbour’s daughter was kind enough to be my model for the morning, and my best pal Sarah also joined in the fun, creating beautiful headpieces for the Forest Nymph theme. We had so much fun, that we’ve decided to make it a regular event—at least until my model has to go back to school! I was quite thrilled with the results too. You can check it out on my other blog.
As for my photography, I was struggling to take self portraits (indoors) using a grey sheet hanging up against my wardrobe doors, so I invested in a Neewer backdrop from Amazon. It arrived a few days ago and I’m thrilled! It’s a large frame with three huge fabric backdrops in black, white and green and I could take it anywhere, really. Well, within reason! Now all I need are some lights but I’ll probably practise a bit first lol.
I’ve also decided to start creating book covers to sell online. A few people had said to me before that I should start doing it. (After all, I created all my own book covers, below.) But I never thought I was good enough and I was unsure about using stock photos. But since taking up photography myself, I realised I could do it. And why not? So, that’s what I’ve been up to these past few days. Taking photos against my fancy new backdrop and then getting creative in Affinity Photo. I’m having enormous fun with it!
Last weekend, there was another fire fairly close to us. So close, in fact, that we could see the flames. We were lucky that the wind was blowing in another direction, otherwise we might have had to prepare to evacuate. I know many other people did though. It started at lunchtime and was still roaring in the evening. We made sure all our animals were indoors when we went to bed. And I kept waking to check if we were safe. I’m relieved that by the morning, it had been put out by a huge number of firemen (heroes!). We’ve had a couple of other smaller fires in the area since then, but they’ve been dealt with before getting out of hand.
That was my week. What have you been up to? I’d love to find out, so please link up all your posts (and Instagram posts) in the link-up below!
Suzy, this top is beautiful! I do love that style of Eastern apparel. I would likely pair it over loose fitting trousers as well and I can even see it with denim shorts for an easy summer style. I love your Forest Nymph photos! So fun. One of my dresses that I need to photograph is very forest nymph-like, I just need to find the time to get out into the woods wearing it so I can take photos! How scary that there was a fire so near to you. I am glad that you are safe and didn’t need to evacuate. We have been having all sorts of air pollution warnings here from wildfires that are way north in Canada. Sending lots of positive energy to all the firefighter heroes out there right now keeping us safe! Happy weekend, my friend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Awww thanks Shelbee! It’s not the usual kind of thing I buy but there was just something about it! I can’t wait to see your forest nymph dress…especially if you’re going into the wood to photograph it. I love doing that!
I’ve heard about the horrendous fires in Canada. A friend posted on Instagram about a whole town wiped out by one of them. It’s absolutely terrifying. I think Mother Nature is trying to tell us something 🙁
Happy weekend to you, lovely! I hope yours is everything you wish it to be.
Love Suzy xx
I didn’t realize there were fires in Portugal too. We’ve been having some smog here in Georgia and they say it is from the fires in California: crazy! What a great find in this blouse: I love the flow of it and yes, I can see it with a belt too! You are getting so good with your photography and creative art: those nymph pictures are out of a fairy tale.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you so much, Mireille!
I’ve heard about the smog in the US. Also from Canada! It’s terrible 🙁
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Suzy, it’s so wonderful to follow you on your photography journey and I’m glad that the brush fire didn’t cause you too much trouble. We used to live very close to an area prone to them and we are now thankful to live at a greater distance from that danger. I hope that you’ve got fabulous things lined up for the weekend.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
You’re so kind, Rena. Thank you so much! And I had a wonderfully relaxing weekend at home.
Hugs
Suzy xx
The top is beautiful! I love how you’ve styled it loose over the trousers. Thank goodness the fire was extinguished, that must have been scary!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you, Emma! It was a bit of a worry, but luckily it didn’t get too close this time.
Hugs
Suzy xx
That must be very scary, those fires. I how no one got hurt. What a beautiful photos you make! You are such a creative woman! Have a fabulous Sunday.
Thank you so much, Nancy! I am having so much fun with all this creativity lighting me up lol!
Hugs
Suzy xx
What a great top. Honestly, I like it with the flowy pants but I’d also try with leggings.
Your photography is coming along beautifully. Your photos of your neighbor’s daughter are so creative.
I didn’t realize you created your own book covers. You are seriously creative.
And you’ve just made me day for the second time lol! Thank you so much, Daenel!
Hugs
Suzy xx